"A monster, horrible and hideous. Tall, at least eight feet tall. He was a solid black figure, almost like a shadow. Long distorted limbs and fingers. He was reaching for me. He wanted to kill me, to hurt me." My eyes clench shut. Remembering every terrifying detail.

"I try to run away but my legs don't work. I'm screaming but no sound is coming out. I can't do anything but sit there and wait to die. Whatever that thing was, it was torturing me. It wasn't killing new. Just making me wait in agony." I pause briefly, "But then I woke up. It was all just a twisted dream"

There was a long silence. Her face expressionless, empty. "Okay, I'm not a therapist, but it sounds like it was just a nightmare. Or a sign of chronic depression. Either one." Alex finally said. "Maybe you should see a therapist" she politely suggested.

"No!" I snapped. "I can't make my parents pay for that! We're broke, remember?"

"Well the school counselor is free"

"Look it was just a bad dream, like you said. Can we forget about it please?"

"Sure, whatever. Just don't go emo on me Riley!" I roll my eyes as she says it, though I have no right to. But if I don't she'll know it's too late to say anything.

As we pass the school doors I plaster on a wide grin. It's all about putting on a happy face. Don't let them know your dying inside, hide your feelings. I walk on a river of tar. My feet feeling heavy as I make my way through the halls.

I go through the day like normal. Faking smiles and laughs. I even tell a few jokes. No one can see through my mask. Putting one on is a skill I've perfected. No question about my empty eyes. Not showing tears, not showing my fear. Like a clown with a scar, hidden under paint. Hidden behind a ruby smile.